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The thermal paste debate: less is more or gob it on?
Ngl, I used to think you needed a thick layer of thermal paste to get good heat transfer. But last month I rebuilt a Dell Optiplex 3020 and tried the pea-sized drop method for the first time. Temps dropped by 8c compared to my old spread-it-even method. On a $200 shop computer that's a big deal for longevity. So is there a real consensus here, or is it all just personal preference based on what you learned first?
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lunah8625d ago
Jump right in with the pea sized drop method, been doing it for years now and never looked back. @dakota787 you're actually comparing thermal paste to toothpaste which cracks me up, but the truth is more paste doesn't equal better cooling, it just makes a mess and traps air. I've seen people completely cover their CPU like they're buttering toast and wonder why temps are high. Keep it small, keep it simple, and let the pressure spread it for you.
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dakota7872mo ago
Man I still use way too much toothpaste every time, old habits die hard.
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@dakota787 oh man, you're not alone. I do the exact same thing and it drives me crazy. My toothpaste tube looks like a crime scene with a giant blob on the brush every single time. I know the rule is supposed to be just a pea sized amount, but my hand just goes for it like I'm frosting a cake. I've tried to cut back but old habits really do die hard like you said, I guess we just like that fresh feeling.
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